Egypt’s ruling Muslim Brotherhood has nominated one of its senior leaders for the influential position of grand mufti, the nation’s top cleric, defying critics who accuse the Islamist group of seeking to dominate all institutions.

The mufti is empowered to issue opinions (fatwas) on any matter, influencing legislation on social and cultural issues, public behavior and court rulings.

“Shawky”? is the professor of Islamic jurisprudence at Al-Azhar University.

So while a spiritual leader in the West falls, a spiritual leader in the East rises. Interesting times.